This past weekend was one of the toughest weekends I've had in a long time. My beautiful tuxedo cat, Bubba, passed away. My heart is broken into a thousand pieces and will never be the same again.
We adopted Bubba in October of 2010 after I separated from my husband and moved out of my marital home. I wanted a mellow, fat, lazy cat for my daughter to make the transition a little easier. Not only did I get what I asked for, I also received the unconditional love of this unique cat who bonded with me very quickly. He followed me everywhere. He would 'talk' up a storm everyday. He greeted people when they came to the door. He would sit on the couch with me and wrap his arms around my neck and fall asleep. I have NEVER seen a cat act like Bubba did. My boyfriend affectionately called him "a dog in a fat-cat suit".
Over time, I began noticing that he was throwing up a few times a month. Then it turned into a few times a
week which then became a daily occurence. Our vet diagnosed him with IBD- inflammatory bowel disease. I began researching this condition and learned that he needed to be on a 'grain-free' diet. I switched his food completely. I bought only natural and holistic grain-free food and treats fo Bubba, as well as enzymes and probiotics. He seemed to be doing better at first. However, I began to notice he was losing weight. Over the course of a month, he lost 4 pounds. He stopped cleaning himself and started to become withdrawn. I took him back to the vet for an ultrasound and a biopsy. The results came back as stomach cancer. At this point, everything went downhill. He stopped eating and drinking. I was giving him water with a syringe. He had thrown up blood. I knew that I was going to have to make a very difficult decision. He was in pain and suffering. On May 5th 2013, Bubba passed away peacefully in my arms. I held him and snuggled him and told him that I will one day see him again.
I dedicate the Rainbow Bridge poem to my little buddy, Bubba. He left his paw print on my heart and I will never be the same without him. I love and miss you Bubba. The joy you brought into our lives cannot be measured.
The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
On March 11th 2013, PRIIA Cosmetics released updated formulas for two of its best selling products. One of them was our oil-control powder known as HydraPrime. The new formula now contains Japanese Green Tea Extract.
Since the release of PRIIA’s two updated formulas, I’ve been made aware of recent various web articles and blog posts written by so-called self-proclaimed“skin care experts” and beauty “gurus” that are intent on disproving thebenefits of using botanicals and extracts in mineral makeup. Do I think these articles written AFTER the debut of PRIIA's reformulated products are a coincidence? No, I do not. Actually, I find them to be almost a personal attack of sorts on my company, my integrity, skin care knowledge and formulating expertise.
In a nutshell, these articles and posts are claiming that companies (such as PRIIA) who are using botanicals and extracts like Japanese Green Tea, are out to fool or “dupe” the customer and that formulas (such as HydraPrime) are simply nothing more than marketing ‘puffery’ and gimmicks.
First, I’d like to point out that the individuals who are writing these posts and articles have no formal training, licensure, degree or background in the arenas of cosmetic chemistry, esthetics or skin histology. Unlike a licensed skin care professional or cosmetic chemist, their knowledge is extremely limited and relies vastly on simply ‘googling’ information. Anyone can write a beauty article and anyone can buy a book or watch a YouTube video on how to make mineral makeup. It certainly doesn’t take a genius to do this.
I have had the honor and pleasure to be able to work with some of the esthetic industry’s top skin care professionals and cosmetic chemists and formulators. With their guidance, I’ve been able to formulate a line of natural mineral cosmetics that I am proud of beyond words. I stand behind each and every formula I create and manufacture. Any of our products, such as HydraPrime, that contain botanicals and extracts are formulated in such a manner in order to protect and preserve the botanical’s and/or extract’s efficacy. Through a propriety encapsulation process (akin to liposome technology), we can ensure our botanicals and extracts don’t degrade in a short period of time without having to use preservative systems such as parabens. If adding botanicals and extracts to formulas were as easy as just dumping some raw ingredients into powdered makeup and giving it a stir, then everybody would be doing it. Well, it’s not that easy and everybody is NOT doing it. The process of properly incorporating actives into a formula is actually quite complicated and delicate.
Another point I feel worth mentioning is the percentages of botanicals and extracts used within formulas. Some of these recent articles and posts purport that if a botanical and/or extract is listed near the bottom of the ingredient deck, it is essentially rendered ineffective in a formula. PRIIA’s ingredient decks are always listed in order of predominance. This means ingredients listed at the top of the deck are in the highest percentage within a formula and ingredients listed toward the bottom are at the lowest percentage within a formula. The TYPE of botanical or extract determines where it must be placed within our formulas. For example, our Japanese Green Tea and our Allantoin (derived from the Comfrey plant) CANNOT be used at more than 2% in any given formula otherwise the potential for skin irritation can occur due to their potency. In simple terms, this means if the total formula batch is 100 grams, these ingredients cannot consist of more than 2 grams (2%) in the formula’s entirety. By no means does this indicate that the ingredient is ineffective. We are simply following the recommend and SAFE usage rates. However, there are certain ingredients, such as in the case of peptides, where they are being used in very small percentages in an overall formula. I see this in OTC beauty products all of the time- the peptides are listed at the BOTTOM of the ingredient deck when they should be much closer to the top. In this scenario, the peptide would be ineffective at such a small percentage. Ingredients like peptides need to be higher up on the ingredient deck in order to do their job. One such company who utilizes peptides in the manner in which they were intended is: IMAGE Skin Care. It’s a professional skin care line and can only be dispensed by an MD or other licensed skin care professional. I’ve had the pleasure of working with them for over 7 years.
I’ve always come from the mindset that they are plenty of customers to go around. I don’t feel the need to bash or question other companies who are formulating exciting and innovative products in order to try and gain more support for my own company. My products speak for themselves. Is PRIIA right for EVERYONE? No, and I’m OK with that fact. Some customers will choose PRIIA and some won’t. Whether you are or aren’t a PRIIA customer, you can be assured that the products we manufacture are made with the highest quality ingredients as well as the highest integrity and formulating standards. :-)
You would probably think so since I haven't done a post in almost a year! My bad!
However, the answer is a resounding NO. This blog isn't dead ... just dormant. PRIIA Cosmetics has grown by leaps and bounds; so much so that it takes up nearly all of my time. The good news is I have new people coming on board to help manage my company and hopefully alleviate some responsibilities from my shoulders. This means a little free time will be available to share more of my knowledge and expertise with my readers.
What I would like to know is:
1) Are YOU still interested in learning about makeup, beauty, skin care, etc.?
2) If you are, what topics would you like me to talk about? How can I help YOU?
Most of you already know that I'm a licensed esthetician and that in addition to formulating PRIIA Cosmetics, I also own a skin care spa. Well, we moved the spa to a new address in September of this year and we just had our grand re-opening on December 4th.
Everything went great and my spa has turned out to be more than I had hoped for. I love it, my clients love...what more can an esthetician ask for???
We offer so many fantastic treatments such as facials, peels, massage therapy, professional teeth whitening, spray tanning, non-surgical face lifts and so much more! We also carry the entire line of PRIIA Cosmetics of course. ;-)
So, if you're in the Lehigh Valley area of PA or close to it, please stop by and check us out. You can view our spa's web site by visiting: www.EstheticallyYourz.com .
For all of my friends, family and special people in my life, THANK YOU for all of your love and support through everything. You mean the WORLD to me!
It's true: cavepeople wore cosmetics. I'm not talking about Wilma Flintstone or Betty Rubble either.
Scientists at a Spanish excavation found evidence that could link the use of cosmetics with Neanderthals. Small shells with holes in them were found at the site that suggested the shells were strung together and worn like beaded necklaces. The interesting part about the shells is that they were painted or coated with some type of glittery makeup. So, when the shell necklace was worn, it would sparkle. Scientists also discovered that more than one type of pigment was used and was mixed with different ingredients.
What's so important about this discovery anyway?
The importance of this discovery suggests that Neanderthals were 'higher thinkers' than what we've given them credit for. Wearing jewelry and cosmetics in ancient times was a symbol of status- it let the community know just who you were and where you ranked within that community. Before this discovery, scientists didn't really give much credit to Neanderthals for any use of brain power besides knowing how to swing a club really well.
Even though Neanderthals weren't lining their lips and applying powder to their noses, their early use of pigments for ornamentation/cosmetics purposes could ultimately be the reason for the existence of modern cosmetics today.
Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Neanderthal. ;-)
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I just wanted to take a moment today to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Thank you for continuing to read this blog- I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it.
Here's one of my favorite Christmas quotes. My mother had given a card to me one Christmas and framed it because the verse on the cover was just so beautiful. Here it is...
"Every time a hand reaches out to help another...that is Christmas. Every time someone puts anger aside and strives for understanding...that is Christmas. Every time people forget their differences and realize their love for each other... that is Christmas." - author unknown
Enjoy the holidays! Thanks for stopping by!
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What's your favorite type of foundation? Do you prefer a liquid, cream or loose powder type of foundation?
At PRIIA Cosmetics, we're always working on new products so your opinion is important to us in our new product development.
Leave your comment in the form box below. Thanks for stopping by!
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Today I'm giving a BIG 'shout out' to my beautiful little girl who's turning 8 years old!
Eight years ago, this amazing little person came into the world and into my life. I've never been the same since. I've never known such love until I held my daughter in my arms. I don't know what I'd do without her.
I was saddened by the news of Farrah Fawcett's passing yesterday. She was 62 years old and was battling cancer for the past 5 years.
Farrah was an acclaimed actress and a 70's pop culture icon best known for her part as Jill Munroe on the hit television show, Charlie's Angels. I loved that show! I was born in the early 70's and was glued to the tv when it was on.
The other thing she was well-known for was her hair. Everyone back in the day wanted their hair styled in "The Farrah". An adaptation of this style is even popular today- a reminder that a classic beauty never really dies. Also, I'm pretty sure almost every man and teenage boy in the 70's had her swimsuit poster somewhere in their midst.
Two other iconic celebrities also passed away this week: Michael Jackson and Ed McMahon. My condolences go out to all three families who have lost their loved ones. May they rest in peace.
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When it comes to your face, what feature do you like the most?
I'm asking this question because as women, most of the time, we are picking ourselves a part. We're so keen on focusing on the things we DON'T like about ourselves. I thought it would be a nice way to start the week by focusing on a feature we DO like about ourselves! Every woman is beautiful in her own way, so why not celebrate it?!?!
For me, my favorite facial feature is my lips. God blessed me with one heck of a pout and I LOVE to show it off by wearing really beautiful & colorful glosses. I've even been asked, "Where do you get your lips done?" This person basically wanted to know where I was having collagen injections done! When I told her that my lips were au naturale, she exclaimed, "WOW! You're so lucky! I'd pay big bucks for those!" I just laughed and felt greatful for my good genetics. Besides, I HATE needles! By the way, this isn't a picture of my actual lips, but that's just what they look like. Lucky gal, ain't I? ;-)
So, tell me YOUR favorite facial feature! Is it your eyes? Maybe it's your nose, or maybe you've got a great pout too! Let's share something beautiful about ourselves! Please leave your comment in the form box below. Thank you!
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